Disability and Mental Ill-Health-Implications for Social Policy and Recommendations in Nigeria

Abstract

The conceptual definition of disability has been predicated on the quest to balance the medical paradigm with the equally relevant social paradigm of disability. In this paper, I review current models of disability and their impact on interrelationships between disability and mental health disorders within the context of African socio-cultural concepts. I also propose a mental health paradigm through the biopsychosocial model in the management of the complex issues associated with disability. Health workers collaborating with religious and socio-cultural institutions can identify those at risk of grave mental health consequences and offer support to the individual and the family through proper counselling and guidance.